At the core of Purple Mountain, the immense aura that swept across the eight wastelands and stirred the harmony of all paths slowly receded like a tide.
All of it was gathered into the body of the figure in black robes on the high platform.
No longer outwardly apparent, it appears even more profound, like a dormant volcano containing terrifying energy capable of the Burn Heaven and Boil the Sea.
On the high platform, Li Qingshan slowly opened his eyes.
His eyes held a chaotic flow of energy, as if the creation of the Heaven-Opening and the trajectories of stars were being drawn within them.
His gaze was as calm as the unchanging starry sky, sweeping across the Void with a wisdom and indifference that seemed to see through the essence of all things and transcend the mundane.
Having undergone the baptism of the Great Dao's true meaning through the Wushi Scripture, and achieving the deepest level of harmony with the Beginningless Bell, his life level and Dao Realm have been elevated.
It has already leaped to a completely new dimension that is incomprehensible to ordinary people.
His physical body and soul strength have already far surpassed the level of the Immortal Three. As long as he is close to Severing the Dao, he can break into the King Realm at any time.
The realm of the Immortal Four Saint no longer poses an obstacle for him.
Gently raise your hand.
The Beginningless Bell, which hovered overhead and suppressed the eternal destiny, emitted a low, soft chime.
The Chaos Immortal Light flowing on the bell's body receded, its size rapidly shrinking until it finally transformed into a gentle stream of light, obediently landing in his palm.
It paused slightly, then vanished completely, as if it had become one with him.
The Emperor Weapon possess a spirit, and at this moment, their minds are completely in sync.
Only then did he finally land slowly.
His black robes fluttered, as if dyed with ink, perfectly complementing the still-unsettled chaotic air currents around him.
His handsome face, with its distinct features, and his unbelievably youthful appearance contrasted sharply with the invincible demeanor and aura of Eternal Giant he had just displayed.
Finally, his gaze fell upon the faint, concealed array pattern.
" Teacher Li?"
When that familiar yet unfamiliar face came into clear view, Ye Fan could no longer control his turbulent emotions and cried out in surprise.
The sound was exceptionally clear in the empty, deathly silent hall, even carrying a slight crack.
Although he was already quite certain of the outcome when the Silver-Winged Ancient King's sneak attack backfired, he was still quite certain of the outcome.
But when this conjecture was confirmed by the irrefutable facts before his eyes, the shock and impact came from the depths of his soul.
It was still like a dam bursting, surging and threatening to overwhelm his reason!
It really is Teacher Li!
Although it doesn't appear often, its presence can always be felt at crucial moments!
It was indeed the very person standing before them, descending upon the star path adorned with imperial markings, his back to all living beings, subduing all heroes.
This supreme being, who could summon the Beginningless Bell to greet him on its own, and lightly activate the Imperial Scripture to carry the Great Dao, effortlessly causing the top forces of the Big Dipper to retreat in defeat and humiliation!
This huge overlap between identity and strength made Ye Fan's heart pound like a war drum, his blood rushing, and his palms slightly sweaty with excitement.
Woof! Woof woof woof!
Damn it! It really was you, Li Qingshan!
Black Emperor's reaction was more direct and intense. It suddenly burst out from the concealment array, stood upright, and its dog eyes widened in surprise.
Its entire body was covered in glossy black fur that bristled up like a hedgehog.
It pointed at Li Qingshan with one paw, so excited that it was incoherent, its voice exploding in Ye Fan's ears like a machine gun:
Although it had a strong intuition and suspicion, and even a deep-seated conviction, it was confirmed by its own eyes.
This still filled the Black Emperor, a man accustomed to all storms and who considered himself the number one dog under the Great Emperor Wushi, with unprecedented excitement.
Duan De's performance was even worse.
The moment he saw Li Qingshan's face clearly, the color drained from his chubby face in an instant, and his body trembled violently.
As if struck by an invisible bolt of lightning, cold sweat instantly poured out from his forehead, nose, and back, soaking through his wrinkled Daoist robe and leaving a cold, sticky residue.
His legs went weak, and he almost collapsed to the ground. His lips trembled, and his voice was barely audible, filled with lingering fear and terror.
"Li, Li Qingshan?"
Jade Pool, Jade Pool Holy Son Li Qingshan?
I utterly utterly wicked Heavenly Venerable!
"Back in the Holy City Stone Archway, I... I even considered finding an opportunity to ambush him and steal some treasures."
He recalled his past "daring plans" that had been like dancing on the edge of a knife, and at that moment he felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.
I wish I could dig a hole in the ground and disappear right now, or turn back time and strangle that arrogant version of myself.
This guy is a ruthless character who can sweep away Great Saint Ancient Races of the holy lands like dirt chickens and clay dogs!
Li Qingshan's gaze swept over the excited Ye Fan and the jumping Black Emperor, and a genuine and gentle smile finally appeared on his calm face.
Like a spring breeze blowing across a frozen lake, it dispelled some of the detached indifference.
He nodded slightly, his voice calm:
" Ye Fan, Black Emperor, how have you been?"
His voice remained gentle, carrying a familiar warmth reminiscent of reuniting with an old friend.
However, the majesty that naturally arose after the transformation of Purple Mountain and the acquisition of the Emperor Bell, a majesty that transcends all living beings, has been deeply ingrained in his bones.
Even when he tried to restrain himself, Ye Fan still felt an invisible, reassuring yet awe-inspiring pressure.
Then, his gaze swept indifferently over the other people in the hall who were too badly injured to leave.
The surviving lone man, awakened by the fluctuations caused by Li Qingshan's renewed transformation, looked at him with eyes that were a mixture of fear, humility, and a hint of pleading.
And certain dark corners, where light struggles to reach, still retain a lingering, obscure atmosphere.
His calm, unwavering gaze seemed to contain a penetrating will, making the survivors feel as if they were being watched by a prehistoric beast.
His hair stood on end, his blood almost froze, and he quickly lowered his head, wishing he could bury his head in his chest.
I held my breath, my heart filled with the insignificance and trembling of an ant facing the vast sky.
The auras hidden in the shadows vanished instantly, becoming deathly silent as if they had never existed.
Li Qingshan withdrew his gaze and did not make a move against these insignificant beings.
What harm can the struggle of ants do to a mountain?
With a light wave of his right hand, he used the Great Emperor Formation Patterns of Purple Mountain to teleport everyone except Ye Fan, Black Emperor, and Duan De back to the Holy City.
Immediately afterwards
He took a step forward.
The Dao patterns beneath their feet arose and vanished naturally, and the space rippled like water.
It was as if the heavens and earth themselves made way for him, shrinking the distance to an inch, and in an instant he was on the high platform, standing in front of Ye Fan and the Black Emperor.
The chaotic currents behind him gradually subsided, like loyal servants.
His gaze swept over the core of Purple Mountain, where the imperial aura still lingered, and he felt the surging, Dao-in harmony power within his body.
An unprecedented sense of exhilaration and enlightenment welled up within him, and he couldn't help but throw his head back and laugh loudly, his voice echoing through the heavens, as he recited aloud:
"In the beginning of chaos, the Purple Palace shone brightly; the Green Lotus dispelled delusion, purifying the Daoist heart."
" The Emperor Bell tolls, reversing the balance of Yin-Yang; the Immortal King descends to earth, establishing the Five Elements."
"The mysterious gate leads to all things; transcending the Three Realms, one roams freely."
"May I return to my true self and unite with the Great Dao; I am but Qingshan, nameless and unassuming!"
The poem's rhythm was clear and melodious, its Daoist essence resonating, each word seemingly echoing the imperial markings that remained on Purple Mountain.
In harmony with the Great Dao of Zhou Tian, it stirred up ripples in the spacious hall.
The transcendence and freedom contained in those verses are the truest reflection of his state of mind at that moment.
The poem ended, but its lingering charm remained.
At that moment, a force far greater and deeper than any of the previous powerful beings appeared.
An aura, seemingly integrated with the entire Purple Mountain and this ancient history, slowly awakened from the deepest darkness of the main hall.
This aura, carrying the weight of time and supreme majesty, caused ripples to spread across the space that had just calmed down.
A blurry figure coalesced in the chaotic energy, gradually becoming clearer.
It was an old man, dressed in ancient clothes, his face weathered and marked by the passage of time, but his body remained as upright as a pine tree.
He exuded an overwhelming and powerful holy aura, which, though restrained, made Ye Fan and Duan De's souls tremble.
That's an absolute difference in the level of life.
Between the opening and closing of his eyes, the sun, moon, and stars rise and fall, and the vicissitudes of time flow quietly in them.
Simply standing there, it was as if one had become the sole center of this world.
"Old, Old Gu!"
Black Emperor was the first to exclaim, his face filled with unbelievable excitement.
"You, you're awake!"
The newcomer was none other than Gu Tianshu, the Great Saint of the Human Race who left his mark on the stone wall years ago and then voluntarily guarded the tomb here for endless years!
"Congratulations, young friend, on your successful completion of your cultivation, fully accepting the Great Emperor's legacy and taking a crucial step on your path of cultivation."
Li Qingshan turned around and saw that Gu Tianshu had arrived at the foot of the platform at some point, smiling at him with eyes full of satisfaction and amazement.
Beside him, the Big Black Dog also rushed over, its eyes still a little red and swollen, but at this moment it was more curious and excited, circling around Li Qingshan.
"Tsk tsk, kid, you've really scared a dog with that noise!"
Just now, the demonic energy outside was so overwhelming, I thought some old demon had broken in!
Black Emperor grinned, and although he spoke in a frightening manner, his tail wagged happily.
"But this is more like the demeanor of a successor to Great Emperor! Domineering! Powerful!"
Li Qingshan bowed respectfully to Gu Tianshu.
"Many thanks to the ancient venerable protector."
He then looked at the Black Emperor and smiled.
The Black Emperor's eyes kept glancing at Li Qingshan, clearly showing his extreme curiosity about the power of the Demonic Embryo.
Gu Tianshu stroked his beard and laughed:
"Young friend, there's no need to be so modest."
To be able to evoke such a resonance from the Beginningless Bell, to receive the complete Imperial Scripture, and to forge your own path within that legacy—such talent and ability are rare indeed throughout history.
"If the Great Emperor knew that his lineage had been passed down and that the student had surpassed his master, he would surely be gratified."
Mentioning the Great Emperor Wushi, the Black Emperor's eyes dimmed again, but he quickly shook his head, looked at the floating Beginningless Bell, and shouted:
" Master Bell, now that the inheritance is complete, and you've approved of this kid, shouldn't you tell us? The Great Emperor... what exactly is he..."
The Beginningless Bell vibrated gently, swirling with chaotic energy, and a peaceful and ancient divine thought wave entered the hearts of everyone present:
The road ahead is fraught with peril, and life and death are uncertain.
Before departing, the Emperor severed most of his Cause and Effect with this world.
I know not the Emperor's current state, but I know that his will is to protect this realm and ensure its unbroken lineage.
The fluctuations in his divine sense carried a hint of distant melancholy, yet also contained unwavering resolve.
Upon hearing this, the Black Emperor remained silent for a long while.
Finally, he stood up and, facing the direction of the Beginningless Bell and the Wushi Dao Platform, solemnly bowed three times:
" Your Great Emperor, wherever you are, Little Black will wait for you to come back!"
Rest assured, your successor is also a Ruthless and will never tarnish your reputation!
Li Qingshan also stood solemnly and bowed deeply to the Daotai Emperor Bell.
After Li Qingshan finished his greetings, Gu Tianshu's gaze fell on Li Qingshan again.
His gaze was as deep as the universe, filled with scrutiny, and even more so with an indescribable sense of inquiry and wonder.
His gaze seemed to penetrate all appearances, looking directly at Li Qingshan's life essence and the foundation of the Great Dao.
After a moment of gazing intently, a genuine expression of emotion appeared on Gu Tianshu's usually calm and composed face for the first time.
"How peculiar! What a mysterious technique!"
Gu Tianshu's voice, tinged with barely perceptible surprise, broke the silence.
"The physical body and the spirit are perfectly integrated, capable of Myriad Transformations, impervious to all evils and difficult to harm by any magic."
A leap originating from the very essence of the cultivation method!
Its vital energy flows like a dragon, containing Innate Dao Patterns that seem capable of simulating all things in heaven and earth, and exhausting the wonders of Fortune.
He frowned slightly, as if recalling and deducing, and finally shook his head gently, his gaze fixed intently on Li Qingshan:
"The method you cultivate subtly transcends common sense and secretly aligns with the primordial Qi that existed before the chaos was created."
Its subtle and profound depths are so profound that even I, an old man, find them unfathomable.
Could it originate from that untraceable Immortal Ancient Era, or perhaps a completely new path forged from the impossible?
To think that he could temper his physical body and soul to such an unbelievable level on the Immortal Platform Second Layer, approaching the threshold of Saint!
Wonderful, absolutely wonderful!
Faced with the astonishment of this Great Saint of the human race, Li Qingshan nodded slightly and said:
"The senior's insight is truly remarkable."
This is a technique I created through refining and mastering, called the " Eight-Nine Profound Art," which truly possesses profound mysteries.
" The Eight-Nine Profound Art lives up to its name; its power rivals the Fortune."
Gu Tianshu murmured a repeated sentence, a look of realization and admiration flashing in his eyes.
Then, the praise turned into a long and complicated sigh.
This sigh seemed to traverse eternity, filled with endless regret and remembrance.
His gaze drifted into the distance, as if he were looking back at bygone years.
I saw that invincible figure who once turned his back on all living beings and suppressed an era.
His gaze quickly returned to Li Qingshan.
In particular, one can feel the aura that merges perfectly with the water of the Beginningless Bell and resonates with the true essence of the Wushi Scripture.
And that unique physical imprint, deeply hidden in the origin, which even the " Eight-Nine Profound Art " cannot completely conceal, resonating with all the Dao.
" The Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo is one of the most incredible constitutions in the world, and it is most compatible with the Dao of the Great Emperor."
Throughout history, only the Great Emperor has possessed this immortal body.
His voice was filled with deep emotion.
"I once thought that such a physique would probably never appear in the world again."
However, today,
He stared intently at Li Qingshan, his gaze seemingly trying to see right through him, inside and out.
"Today, I have not seen the full manifestation of the Great Emperor's Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo in you."
But your foundation, the degree to which you are in harmony with the Wushi Scripture and the Beginningless Bell.
In particular, the Innate Qi nurtured within your body, which seems capable of evolving into countless paths, already possesses certain supreme divine qualities!
It's probably comparable to the Great Emperor's situation back then.
"Unexpectedly, after countless ages of silence, the Emperor Bell has finally been able to choose a wise ruler again, and the Great Emperor's lineage has finally found a successor."
Gu Tianshu spoke, his voice calm yet carrying a power that seemed to transcend time; each word spoke as if recounting an ancient history.
Your poem is very good.
"I am but Qingshan, nameless and unassuming."
Only with this mindset can one live up to the way of the Great Emperor.
Li Qingshan faced this Great Saint of the human race:
"By a stroke of luck, I have been granted the Great Emperor's legacy, which fills me with deep trepidation. I can only strive forward with determination and live up to the Emperor's grace."
Gu Tianshu nodded, his gaze sweeping over the now-disappeared aura of the Beginningless Bell in Li Qingshan's palm, and slowly said:
"Now that you have gained the Emperor Bell's approval and received the inheritance of the Wushi Scripture, you are the new master of Purple Mountain and the successor of the Great Emperor's lineage."
I should have continued to slumber here, guarding this place.
However!!!
His tone shifted abruptly, his gaze sharpening as if piercing through Purple Mountain to see the turbulent events unfolding outside:
"The news of Emperor Bell the mountain cannot be kept secret for long."
The Primordial Myriad Races will emerge one after another, and the Life Forbidden Zone will not stand idly by.
Your constitution and the path you have chosen destined you to stand at the forefront of storms, facing enemies from all corners of the world.
He took a step forward, his aura subtly connecting with the entire Purple Mountain:
"The lineage of the Great Emperor must not be severed, and the hope of the human race must not be extinguished."
From this day forward, I, Gu Tianshu, will protect you on your path.
The Great Saint Protects the Way!
Li Qingshan's heart also stirred slightly.
He knew full well that the road ahead was fraught with danger, and having a powerful figure like Gu Tianshu to protect him would undoubtedly save him countless troubles and help him deal with many potential deadly crises.
He bowed deeply:
"Thank you, senior! Qingshan will certainly live up to the Great Emperor's and your high expectations!"
Gu Tianshu accepted the bow without hesitation, then his figure slowly faded away, merging into the chaotic energy, leaving only a faint echo:
"I will protect you from the shadows, and I will not easily reveal myself unless it is a matter of life and death."
Just let go and move forward.
As Gu Tianshu's aura faded, the pressure inside the hall decreased sharply.
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